Plain English Summary

Background and study aims Metal-backed total knee replacements are the most commonly used total knee replacements worldwide. However, knee replacements with all-polyethylene tibial components remain an attractive alternative as they are cheaper and avoid problems such as the knee joint mechanism locking and some wear and tear issues. Here, we want to compare two types of total knee replacements  the Triathlon CS Knee System with all-polyethylene tibial components and the Triathlon CS Knee System with metal-backed modular tibial components.

Who can participate? Adults aged 40 to 75 who need a total knee replacement.

What does the study involve? Participants are randomly allocated to one of two groups. Those in group 1 receive the all-polyethylene tibial components for their total knee replacement. Those in group 2 receive the metal-backed modular tibial components for their total knee replacement. The two types of knee replacements are then compared using RSA (radiostereometric analysis) X rays. This is a special technique that takes two X-rays of the joint from different angles at the same time. This creates a 3D image that can be viewed. During surgery, tiny beads are placed in the bone that will surround the knee replacement. These beads are then used to check the positioning of the knee replacement and whether that changes over time. Each patient taking part in the study is invited to a number of follow up visits  one before being discharged from hospital, one 3 months after surgery, and then at 1, 2, 5, 7 and 10 years after surgery. During these visits, they are asked to complete questionnaires about their health, their activities and their knee. RSA X-rays are also taken.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? The study will help increase knowledge of the two knee replacement systems used in the study.

Where is the study run? Hässleholms sjukhus, Hässleholm (Sweden)

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? March 2014 to December 2024.

Contact details

Additional identifiers

EudraCT number

ClinicalTrials.gov number

Protocol/serial number

Study information

Scientific title

Migration and survival of all-polyethylene tibial components compared to the metal-backed modular components of the Triathlon CS Total Knee System. A RSA study

Acronym

Study hypothesis

The primary objective is the assessment of prosthetic migration results after two years of the Triathlon CS Knee System with all-polyethylene tibial components compared to the Triathlon CS Knee System with metal-backed modular components by means of Roentgen Stereophotogrammetry. The secondary objective will be the prediction of the long-term survival based on the two-year migration patterns combined with clinical factors and radiographic aspects. In order to identify other clinical parameters besides the fixation of the prosthesis components, clinical scores and radiographic aspects will be correlated with the RSA outcome.

07/09/2015: Recruitment end date updated to 11th September 2014 (from 31st December 2024).

Study design

Primary study design

Secondary study design

Trial setting

Hospitals

Trial type

Treatment

Patient information sheet

Not available in web format, please use the contact details below to request a patient information sheet.

Condition

Osteoarthritis

Intervention

Patients are informed and screened pre-operative. After signing informed consent, the patients will be randomized in one of the two groups, the day before surgery. The patient will receive either the all-polyethylene tibial component or the metal-backed modular tibial component for their Triathlon CS total knee. The principal investigator and the participating surgeons may dissent from the randomization scheme based on intra-operative findings. This patient will be excluded from the study. Follow-up visits are performed at the following time points: prior to discharge, 3 months, 1, 2, 5, 7 and 10 years after surgery. During these visits clinical evaluation and x rays are done, any adverse events are monitored (if applicable) and the KOOS, EQ-5D and FJS questionnaires are completed by the patient.

Intervention type

Other

Phase

Not Applicable

Drug names

Primary outcome measures

The primary outcome measure will be prosthetic migration after two years of the Triathlon CS Knee System with all-polyethylene tibial components and the Triathlon CS Knee System with metal backed modular components by means of Roentgen Stereophotogrammetry. It is hypothesized that there will be no difference between groups. The difference in migration between components must not exceed 0.3 mm for translations and 0.25° for the rotations to determine equivalence.

Secondary outcome measures

The secondary outcome measure will be long-term survival based on the two-year migration patterns combined with clinical factors and radiographic aspects. In order to identify other clinical parameters besides the fixation of the prosthesis components, clinical scores and radiographic aspects will be correlated with the RSA outcome. The 10 years results will be used to verify the predicted long-term survival results.

Overall trial start date

13/03/2014

Overall trial end date

31/12/2024

Reason abandoned

Eligibility

Participant inclusion criteria

1. Patient is able to understand the meaning of the study and is willing to sign the EC approved, study specific Informed Patient Consent Form2. Patients eligible and scheduled to undergo primary total knee replacement with any of the following indication2.1. Painful and disabled knee joint resulting from osteoarthritis (Ahlbäck stage II to V)2.2. One or more compartments are involved3. Ability and willingness to follow instructions, including control of weight and activity level, and to return for follow-up evaluations4. A good nutritional state of the patient5. The subject is a male or non-pregnant female between 40 and 75 years of age

Participant type

Patient

Age group

Adult

Gender

Both

Target number of participants

60

Participant exclusion criteria

1. The subject is morbidly obese, defined as Body Mass Index (BMI) of > 372. Previous major knee surgery3. Patients who had a Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) on contralateral side within the last 6 months that is considered to have an unsatisfactory outcome. (Patients with contralateral TKA > 3 months ago with good outcome can be included in the study)4. Patients with other severe concurrent joint involvements that can affect their outcome5. Patient has a flexion contracture of 15° and more6. Patient has a varus/valgus contracture of 15° and more7. The subject will be operated bilaterally8. The subject has an active or suspected latent infection in or about the knee joint9. Osteomyelitis10. The subject has a neuromuscular or neurosensory deficiency, which would limit the ability to assess the performance of the device11. The subject has a systemic or metabolic disorder leading to progressive bone deterioration12. The subject is immunologically suppressed or receiving steroids in excess of normal physiological requirements13. Female patients planning a pregnancy during the course of the study14. The patient is unable or unwilling to sign the Informed Consent specific to this study